Super Simple Rick Rack Card

Woot! It's actually beginning to look like spring here in Delaware. The last of the snow piles have melted and little creatures are starting to stir. I haven't seen any caterpillars yet, but it won't be long. Meanwhile, how about a pretend one? Cardstock, felt-tip markers, hole punch, printer, and a few inches of rick rick (super popular in the crafting world right now).... that's it!

If you like things a little fancier, here's a variation with quilled flower buds and some greenery. I needed a note card, so left off the text bubble and wrote my message on both the front and inside.Standard width 1/8 inch paper strips were used for all of the quilling. The grassy bits are called wheatears and are a snap to make:Step 1: First off, pretend the paper in the next several pictures is green, ha. Make a small loop at one end of strip. Glue end.Step 2: Encircle the first loop with another loop that's a little larger than the first. There's no need to glue the end - just hold the column of loops at the bottom.Step 3: Continue making as many loops as desired, each a bit taller than the previous one. Glue end and trim excess paper when the column is as tall as you like.Step 4: Run the strip of loops between your thumb and index finger. This gives a defined point to each tip. Curve the column gently as shown - one end in each direction - or just bend in one direction. Mix and match for a natural grassy look.

The orange and yellow flower buds are quilled tight coils. For variety, I made them in two sizes - 7 inch and 10 inch strips - in two shades of orange.Step 1: Roll paper on tool and glue torn end without allowing the coil to relax. The feathered edge of a torn end blends in best.Step 2: Slide coil off tool and give it a rounded shape by pressing against one side of the coil with the ball of a glass head pin or embossing tool.Step 3: Pinch this domed tight coil to make an oval and apply a little glue inside it to preserve the curve.

To make flower stems, glue two quilling strips together or use cardstock, which is a heavier weight paper. It will need to be sturdy enough to stand on edge when glued in place. Run the stem between your thumb and index finger curving it gently.

The caterpillar's antennae is a black V scroll. Fold a 1 1/4 inch strip of black quilling paper in half and roll each end outward.

To glue the quilling on the card, put a small dab of glue on a plastic lid or acrylic sheet and spread it out. Hold the quilling with tweezers and dip its underside in the glue puddle. Place directly on card, taking care to not wiggle the piece around as this can leave a snail trail of glue. But in this case, the trail might not be out of place considering there's already a caterpillar on the scene. A little quilled snail would fit in just fine!

Recommended quilling and paper craft supplies can be found in my Amazon shop.

Hello Ann, you recently left a comment on my blog. so i thought i'd come and see what you are all about, and wow! i just spent a few hours quilling and now after seeing your blog i am inspired to do more! Thanks x

Hi Helen, good point! What's easy for one isn't necessarily easy for another. I hope the wheatear directions will help you out. I have noticed that some brands of paper work better than others for wheatears and alternate side looping... I prefer the soft varieties instead of stiffer strips which just seem to fold wherever they please.